Page 145 of Off Limits Mogul

“Leave your suitcase at the door. We’ll grab it later.”

“No problem,” he says as he removes his shoes and then his socks.

“Let’s go to the kitchen. I’m sure you must be hungry.”

“I’m starving,” he says. “What time are you leaving for work?”

“Since your visit is unexpected, I’ll head to the office later––probably after lunch. I’ll text my assistant to warn her.”

“It’s good to be the boss,” he says.

I chuckle. “On most days it is.”

He follows behind me.

“Fuck, Hartford, you’re living large.” His booming voice resonates.

“Wait till you see the rest of the house. I’ll give you the grand tour after coffee and breakfast.”

“The last time I saw your place, it was the beginning stages of the renovations.”

New Zealand to LA is a long haul, which makes this unexpected visit even more mind-boggling.

“Lots of changes since then,” I say.

“Speaking of transformations, I still can’t get over Keira’s. She sent me tons of photos. I love the new hair. It suits her.”

“I agree.” We enter the kitchen. “Take a seat at the island. I’ll get started on breakfast.”

“You need help?”

“Nah. You relax. Keira will be down soon. She has a lot to share. Not to mention, my chef has stocked up my fridge.”

“Show off.”

I grin. “I couldn’t resist.”

“I just spent God knows how many hours strapped in a confined airplane seat. I need to stretch my legs,” he says.

“No problem.”

I head to the fridge and rummage through it, pulling out the ingredients I’ll need for breakfast.

“Eggs, pancakes and bacon, or quiches my chef prepared?” I give him his options.

“I’m up for anything that involves bacon. That’ll hit the spot nicely.” He nods a few times.

“Excellent.”

I get started to keep myself busy and channel the nervous energy running through me.

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” my best friend says with a slow head nod, “the chef comes with the restaurant style kitchen.” He scours the space. “Keira isn’t roughing it at your place.”

The only rough action she gets is in my bedroom.“I’m proud of the house and it’s great to have Keira around.”

“I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but thanks so much for everything you’ve done for her.”

“Don’t mention it.”